Niverville raises taxes by four percent

The Town of Niverville will raise taxes by four percent this year as it released its budget last week during its regular council meeting.

“We try to be as stable and consistent as possible in the rates that have gone out year over year. This is the norm. So, you’re always in that two to four percent range of what your taxes will go up by year over year and that has not changed ever since I’ve been here,” said CAO Eric King.

The town will see a drop in the mill rate by 14.6 percent. Last year’s mill rate was 13.659 mills while this year it’s 11.659 mills. As this is a reassessment year, the average household in Niverville has seen its assessment increase by 20 to 22 percent.

What this means is that a home assessed at $399,800 will see an increase of $86.29 on their municipal property taxes. Waste collection will see the fee increased to $150 per household.

The total operating cost is just under $21 million with total expenses and revenue up 16 percent from last year, which King said is a sign of growth.

“What’s important for people to understand is they say does growth pay for growth? And the answer is, yes,” said Mayor Myron Dyck. “When you buy your lot it pays for your share of the water treatment plant that was built, it’ll pay for the wastewater treatment plant that is being built, but it also provides – especially on the multi-family and business – for extras to be done.”

The biggest increases in the budget will be Public Health and Welfare, a 31 percent increase, to $50,150 and protective services will see a 13 percent increase to $1.3 million. The lions share of the budget will go towards protective services for the new RCMP detachment and replacement of the fire department’s clothing and uniforms; general government services ($1.7 million) to expand Open Health for more doctors and investments to information technology and cyber security; recreation ($1.8 million) for expanded program offerings; and transportation ($1.8 million) for a detailed design of Provincial Road 311 between Krahn Road And Wallace Road.

Utility projects for 2025 include the Red Seine Rat wastewater treatment facility build and review of the potential of a long-term raw water source protection through Southeast Regional Cooperative.

Capital projects for 2025 include a new tanker for the fire department, splash pad system update, detailed design for the new fire hall, renovations to the south end of the Centennial Arena for a library and lounge, and the purchase of a skidsteer.

The town has $3 million of debt, the majority of which is the Community Resource and Recreation Centre.

Taxes are due Sept. 29.